Spitsbergen vacationsTours & vacations in 2019 & 2020

Far beyond the Arctic Circle, this archipelago is the stuff of icy legend. Walrus and auks, reindeer and bearded seals, foxes and over 2000 polar bears inhabit the snowy shores and mountains, surrounded much of the year by pack ice. Eerie, white beluga whales bob offshore. Spitsbergen vacations showcase glaciers and fjords as well as the chance to trek across flowering, windswept tundra, and visit the polar research station.

Save up to 10% on 14 Day Spitsbergen and Franz Josef Land Voyages departing 20th July, 1st August and 13th August 2020. Includes 1 pre-voyage hotel night and free expedition jacket. Kayaking and Photography Workshops available.

Spitsbergen itself was without doubt the star, with spectacular scenery, rapidly changing lighting and fascinating history. The birdlife was sparse at the start of autumn as expected, but we saw polar bears, whales, arctic fox, reindeer and walrus.
(more)Mike Bradburn

We were very lucky with the weather and had lots of zodiac and shore trips which resulted in an excellent experience...Seeing polar bears and arctic foxes in the wild, also the beautiful Arctic glaciers. (more)Christina Miles

This was a truly wonderful experience! would definitely recommend (more)Cara Hirst

Best part of the trip was traveling through the pack ice and seeing polar bears. (more)Emma Thomas

The most memorable parts of the trip were...The polar bears that we saw close up from the zodiac, the large group of walruses with some playing in the water, the bird cliff at Alkefjellet and the polar bear that came looking for tea, the glacier calving at Monacobreen with the pod of around 12 Belugas that turned up to watch, being able to swim in the Arctic, and, my personal favourite, sailing through the pack ice to 82 degrees north and being surrounded by ice.
(more)Andy Sykes

Cruising is not my scene but this one was certainly very interesting and informative. The organization, comfort and activity were excellent and I could certainly find no fault with anything. (more)Marcus Durand

As highlights, I would say the many many wildlife that we saw (over 30 polar bears! arctic deer, arctic fox, hundreds of walruses, seals and birds) and that we were able to sail all the way almost to the North Pole (just 800 km away!). (more)Maitea Guridi

Memorable parts?
Seeing polar bears, including one mother with cub, and being in Packice, and among icebergs in a zodiac! An emotional roller coaster.
Tips?
Throw yourself into all the activities, follow the advice of the expedition team, relish meeting lovely people , including other travelers and the crew.
Local benefits?
Yes. We spent our pre-embarkation night in a local hostel in Longyearbyen. The expedition took great care to minimise our impact, including recycling,... (more)Val ODwyer

Excellent...The amazing and unusual weather we had, the great amoung of wildlife, the quality of all those running the trip. (more)Daphne Lott

great time !...Seeing polar bears and glaciers (more)Patricia Frochaux

Go if you want to see bits and pieces, to enjoy good food, to chit-chat, but if you're serious and know something about the Arctic and it's animals, etc., this operator will tend to disappoint. (more)Christopher Watts